21 March is Anal Cancer Awareness Day, a moment to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support everyone affected by anal cancer.

There has also been important news for people living with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC). The European Commission has approved retifanlimab together with standard chemotherapy (carboplatin + paclitaxel) as a first-line treatment option for adults with metastatic or inoperable locally recurrent SCAC. This means immunotherapy can be used from the start of treatment, not only later.

The decision is based on the international phase 3 trial POD1UM-303 / InterAACT-2, published in The Lancet. In the study, people received chemotherapy and were randomly assigned to also receive either retifanlimab or placebo. The main outcome measured was Progression-Free Survival (PFS), the length of time the cancer did not get worse.

What were the results?

• 9.3 months with retifanlimab + chemotherapy
• 7.4 months with chemotherapy alone

Overall, adding immunotherapy helped many people keep the cancer under control for longer.

Like all treatments, this combination can cause side effects. In the clinical trial, some participants experienced side effects (including infections and blood clots), so careful monitoring and prompt reporting of new symptoms are important. Your healthcare team can explain what to watch for and how to manage side effects.

On Anal Cancer Awareness Day, we also recognise the importance of timely diagnosis, stigma-free conversations, and equitable access to care. Progress in treatment matters, and so does ensuring people can benefit from it.

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Author:

Lauran Urena